Springer, Nancy

Firebirds: An Anthology of Original Fantasy and Science Fiction

Firebirds gathers together sixteen original stories by some of today's finest writers of fantasy and science fiction. Together, they have won virtually every major prize— from the National Book Award to the World Fantasy Award to the Newbery Medal—and have made bestseller lists worldwide. These authors, including Lloyd Alexander, Diana Wynne Jones, Garth Nix, Patricia A. McKillip, Meredith Ann Pierce, and Nancy Farmer, tell stories that will entertain, provoke, startle, amuse, and resonate long after the last lage has been turned. And they all share a connection to Firebird—an imprint, like this anthology, devoted to the best fantasy and science fiction for teenage and adult readers.

An ALA Best Book for Young Adults

A Locus Recommended Reading Selection

A New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age

A Selection of the Science Fiction Book Club

I Am Morgan le Fay (Firebird)

Morgan is a willful, mischievous girl with mismatched eyes of emerald and violet. A girl of magic, whose childhood ends when King Uther Pendragon murders her father and steals away her mother. Then Pendragon dies and, in a warring country with no one to claim the throne, there are many who want Morgan dead. But Morgan has power, and magic. She is able to change the course of history, to become other, to determine her own fate-and, thus the fate of Britain. She will become Morgan le Fay.

"Springer wields language like a sword, and both blood and flowers spring to these pages in vivid hues." (Booklist, starred review)

I Am Mordred: A Tale of Camelot (Firebird)

King Arthur has fascinated young people for centuries, and since fantasy literature has become a passion for so many bright teens, a whole body of writing has developed that reimagines Arthurian stories in ways that make them psychologically relevant today--without losing the magical resonance of Camelot. In I Am Mordred, Nancy Springer, known both for her fantasy writing and the realistic novel Toughing It, brings the central father-son conflict of the Arthurian saga vividly alive. Teen fantasy fans will be familiar with the background events: the young King Arthur, unaware, bedded his half sister Morgause and conceived the child Mordred, who according to the wizard Merlin, was fated to destroy his father and the kingdom. Goaded by Merlin, Arthur attempted to have the baby killed, but was foiled by the intervention of the good sorceress Nyneve and the evil sorceress Morgan le Fay. Years later Mordred arrives at Camelot and becomes a knight of the Round Table. Springer focuses on Mordred at age 15, as he struggles against his destined fate of killing the king and father he both loves and hates. In an adventure story festooned with the golden bells of enchantment, Mordred undertakes a quest in the Forest Perilous to save Arthur's life and his own soul, but ultimately fails. Springer brings the story to a moving and ingenious conclusion in which the prophecy is fulfilled--and simultaneously overcome. (Ages 12 and older) --Patty Campbell

What will a person give to forsake his destiny? From his very incarnation, Mordred has been a pawn in Camelot's history. Foretold by Merlin that he will grow up to kill his father, the beloved King Arthur, young Mordred struggles with his fate, loathing the great king who tried to kill him as a baby, yet journeying to Camelot where he learns to serve and idolize the legendary leader. Torn between feelings of love and hate, Mordred yearns to make peace with Arthur, who still refuses to acknowledge him. But Mordred is determined to have peace at any price--even if it costs him his soul. In I Am Mordred, one of the most fascinating and misunderstood heroes of Arthurian lore comes to life in an epic fantasy for Camelot fans. Nancy Springer lives in Dallastown, PA.

Lionclaw: Tale of Rowan Hood

Lionel believes that he is nothing but an awkward coward, and he much prefers playing his harp to drawing a sword. Banished by his warrior father, Lord Lionclaw, he finds refuge in Sherwood Forest and joins a misfit band of outlaws led by Rowan Hood, daughter of Robin. Lionel is loyal and grateful to his good friend Rowan, yet he is also determined to make peace with his father. But when Lionclaw is taken prisoner by Robin Hood one night, he spots his son among the outlaws and vows revenge on him. Suddenly Sherwood Forest is filled with danger, and Lionel wants nothing more than to turn and run. Then Lionclaw's bounty hunters capture Rowan and use her as bait, and suddenly the lion in Lionel is awakened.

Madbond (Sea King Trilogy, Book 1)

Firebirds Soaring: An Anthology of Original Speculative Fiction

First Firebirds. Then Firebirds Rising. Now there is Firebirds Soaring, the third anthology of original stories by some of today’s finest writers of fantasy and science fiction. These authors, including Nancy Farmer (The Sea of Trolls), Ellen Klages (The Green Glass Sea), Margo Lanagan (Black Juice), and Jane Yolen (The Devil’s Arithmetic), have brought new worlds and Old Magic to life in nineteen remarkable pieces of short fiction. Mike Dringenberg, co-creator of Sandman with Neil Gaiman, contributes decorative vignettes. Firebirds Soaring—like Firebirds and Firebirds Rising—sets the standard for short fiction for teenagers and adult fans of the genre.

Chains of Gold

Sky Rider

News that her beloved horse, Tazz, must be put down has made the constant pain of Dusty's old back injury doubly sharp. But the night before the vet comes for Tazz, a mysterious teenager, the ghost of a young man who died a strange and violent death on her family's property, appears to Dusty and offers to take Tazz away with him. Away where? Dusty wonders, but Tazz trusts the boy. Dusty's beloved horse seems healed, willing to leap right over the sun, and so she lets him go with the stranger. It isn't long however, before the boy returns, and Dusty realizes she must help him find peace--or become entangled with his vengeful spirit for eternity.

Wings of Flame

Mindbond (Sea King Trilogy, Vol II)